The MEPC also approved guidance on best practice for fuel oil suppliers.

The key issues being tackled by MEPC 73 since Monday, October 22, included reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, further work on energy efficiency of ships, implementation of sulphur 2020 limit, and ballast water management treaty implementation among other things.

On Monday, the committee approved the follow-up program for IMO’s strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The program is intended to be used as a planning tool in meeting the timelines identified in the initial IMO strategy.

However, the committee turned down the proposal for the introduction of an experience-building phase on the 2020 sulphur cap prohibiting ships from burning marine fuels with sulphur content higher than 0.5 pct. Instead, the IMO called for proposals on issues regarding fuel quality concerns to be submitted by May, 2019.

IMO member states are required to inform IMO of the availability of compliant fuel oils in their ports and terminals well in advance of January 1, 2020. The parties are also required to notify when a ship has presented evidence of the non-availability of compliant fuel oil.